What Does a Liberal Arts Degree Entail?

Many other occupations require a broad set of talents that employers value, while some require a specific training program. Students with a liberal arts degree have a wide range of job options that include humanities-related disciplines. In this post, we’ll outline the liberal arts degree course of study and provide examples of the kinds of professions you can earn with one.

What does a liberal arts degree entail?

Humanities classes that emphasize communication, artistic expression, and critical thinking are the main focus of a liberal arts degree. People can acquire an array of transferable abilities through study in the humanities which can be used in almost any career.

A student might receive training in several fields while enrolled in a particular program thanks to the interwoven subjects that make up a liberal arts degree. For instance, a communications degree concentrates on a variety of fields like TV, radio, and print journalism that is associated with both written and spoken communication. In comparison to a typical Bachelor of Science degree, a liberal arts education frequently exposes students to a wider range of subject matter within their chosen discipline.

Students who select a liberal arts degree could end up in a field they never anticipated or thought about because this type of education places more emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge than on the application of a specific skill set.

Academic areas for a liberal arts degree

The liberal arts cover a wide range of disciplines, including the sciences as well as the arts. Instead of concentrating on specialized career training, a student with a liberal arts background can concentrate on a certain area of interest.

The majority of liberal arts undergraduates pick any of the following humanities to specialize in.

English

The liberal arts in English include linguistics, writing, and literature. A student may decide to concentrate on a certain genre or era of literature or study the development and structure of language. A variety of topics are covered in writing classes, including technical, fiction, non-fiction, and editing.

Arts

Studying the fine arts is another option for a liberal arts degree. Students who pursue degrees in film, theater, music, or the visual arts can use their skills to create and act both onstage and off. Some programs choose only a select number of students according to their work, while others need auditions or creative work portfolios.

Communications

A liberal arts major with a communications concentration will gain expertise in advertising, PR, TV, radio, and journalism. Public speaking, journalism production, and writing, in addition to commercial and digital media communication, are all included in this field of study.

Languages

Traditional curricula include an in-depth study of popular international languages like Spanish and French. The history, literature, and cultures of the countries where a language is widely utilized are taught to language learners. Additionally, it is expected of students to develop fluency in their study language.

Social Sciences

Studies in anthropology, psychology, economics, political science, and sociology are part of a liberal arts education. Through research and analysis, each of these courses aims to comprehend and explain human behavior.

History

The chronology of the human race is examined and researched by those who study history. Liberal arts degrees in history may focus on a specific historical era or population. A student might decide to concentrate on ancient history or women’s studies, for instance.

Mathematics

Even though the subject is used in many technical degrees, a thorough examination of it is covered in the liberal arts curricula. To relate equations and problem-solving to practical solutions, applied mathematics necessitates courses in statistics, computational mathematics, and research projects.

Philosophy

The past and present are given significance through the employment of theoretical ideas in philosophy. A student taking a liberal arts degree in philosophy will research the cultural relationships between education and civic duty.

Cultural and Religious Studies

This liberal arts degree focuses on cultural and religious ideas that are practiced all over the world, enabling students to examine various religions and traditions with objectivity.

Humanities

A specialized humanities degree provides knowledge of numerous liberal arts fields. Coursework for students in this degree includes a lot of history, art, anthropology, and literature.

Advantages of a liberal arts degree

People with a liberal arts degree have transferable skills that are useful in practically every field. Employers place a great value on communication and critical thinking skills in candidates. A liberal arts degree includes courses that develop these abilities, which are referred to as soft talents. A liberal arts education has several advantages, such as:

People with a liberal arts degree possess a broad background of knowledge.

Even if they are unfamiliar with a topic, they can read and absorb information fast. They are frequently sought after to serve as analysts in a variety of industries, including business and healthcare, due to their extensive knowledge of the globe.

Many experts concur that a liberal arts degree equips pupils for positions that are still undiscovered.

Liberal arts majors are capable of filling positions that artificial intelligence is unable to due to their flexible and human-centered base. Liberal arts majors can be assured that their problem-solving and interpersonal skills will not be quickly replaced by machines because automation is starting to replace some jobs.

Lots of liberal arts majors pick up new abilities and technology

These can help a resume appeal to a wider range of prospective employers. For instance, to work as a content creator, a writer might learn graphic design or coding.

What types of professions can you acquire with a liberal arts degree?

Here are some typical jobs for liberal arts degrees, while a degree in the liberal arts enables students to find employment in practically any sector that doesn’t call for specialized technical expertise.

1. Analyst

National average yearly wage: $65,261

Primary responsibilities: An analyst operates in a variety of industries, using data to influence financial, government, and corporate choices. They present their research in clear reports and serve as counselors, encouraging management to employ more effective procedures.

2. Publicist

National average yearly wage: $49,854

Primary responsibilities: Publicists assist customers in gaining attention in media venues such as radio shows, online, newspapers, magazines, and television. They assist companies maintain strong public personas and reputations by writing press releases, pitching stories to editors of media outlets, setting up interviews, and more. These public relations experts also organize press and promotional events for customers. Publicists can work with corporations, CEOs, politicians, actors, musicians, and other famous people.

3. Policy analyst

National average yearly salary: $87,950

Primary responsibilities: Policy analysts’ main responsibilities are to research difficult topics, publish data or writings, and influence politics. They gather data, poll the populace, do cost-benefit evaluations, and project the effects of present and proposed legislation. Government agencies, non-profit think tanks, and research institutions all employ policy analysts. They have a variety of specialization options, including science, education, and urban planning.

4. A legislative assistant

National average yearly wage: $43,965

Primary responsibilities: Legislative assistants assist politicians, state and federal senators and representatives, as well as advocacy organizations. They create, revise, and gather support for bills as they are being introduced into the legislative process. These experts offer suggestions for both brand-new legislation and amendments to current laws. They might consult with lobbyists and constituents in person to gauge their degree of support.

5. Advertising manager

National average yearly wage: $65,400

Primary responsibilities: An advertising manager is in charge of organizing and supervising a team that develops all of a brand’s advertising collateral. They oversee the spending on every advertising initiative and assess the effects that each advertising tactic has on a company.

6. Communications Assistant

National average hourly wage: $45,425

Primary responsibilities: Communications associates organize official correspondence and communications from an organization. In addition to executing print and online marketing and advertising strategies, they are frequently in charge of writing and editing messages. They create newsletters, brochures, and promotional materials in addition to writing emails and memos. Associates in communications frequently collaborate with teams in advertising and marketing.

7. Department head

National average yearly wage: $47,690 year.

Primary responsibilities: Department managers are in charge of the personnel and output of an organizational division. They are in charge of executing strategic initiatives and upholding executive-created budgets. In addition to managing hiring and staffing, they also convey job requirements to staff members and keep an eye on employee output and performance. Department managers also make sure that their units adhere to the necessary procedures and laws.

8. Management analyst

National average hourly wage: $88,312

Primary responsibilities: Management analysts assist businesses in boosting productivity and profitability. They examine financial accounts, conduct employee interviews, and observe employees at work to find inefficiencies and productivity problems. They then make suggestions for new operational procedures and frameworks that can address the issues they have found. The majority of management analysts also keep an eye on the development and outcomes of their job after making modifications.

9. Customer service agent

National average hourly wage: $13.59

Primary responsibilities: Customer service experts help customers comprehend, buy, and return things. They respond to inquiries from clients in person, on the phone, and online. They might also provide clients with product and service demonstrations. They handle payments and orders while assisting clients with problems. Numerous customer care agents also deal with returns and refund payments.

10. Curriculum Coordinator

National average yearly salary: $67,981

Primary responsibilities: These include developing instructional techniques in collaboration with teachers, educational officials, and school districts. They watch teachers and give instructors training in the use of instructional materials and methods. These experts also consult with administrators to assess students’ test results and devise strategies to raise them using textbooks, technology, and instructional techniques. Some curriculum managers focus on particular courses or grade levels, while others deal with a range of pupils.

11. Account Manager for Public Relations

National average yearly wage: $54,515

Primary responsibilities: Public relations professionals oversee a company’s communication with the media and customers. They are involved in branding, marketing, communication, and advertising in a firm. They could lead a team that produces material or produce content for digital and print media.

12. Academic advisor

National average yearly wage: $38,683

Primary responsibilities: Academic advisers’ main responsibilities include assisting university students in selecting classes, and major fields of study, and building successful college careers. They make sure that students attend the classes they need for the course of their interest and that they are aware of what is necessary to graduate. Some academic advisors also assist college students with their job applications and applications for graduate school. Students who concentrate on their area of expertise receive assistance from academic advisors, a lot of whom are also professors.

13. Journalist

National average yearly wage: $36,261

Primary responsibilities: Journalists provide information to the public by conducting research, conducting interviews, and attending live events. They choose crucial subjects and give journalists material.

14. Training Manager

National average yearly salary: $67,186

Primary responsibilities: Training managers are responsible for developing and directing employee development initiatives. They are in charge of identifying productivity problems and training gaps, choosing the kind of training that teams and departments require, and buying or creating pertinent resources. Training managers also plan orientation programs for new hires and programs to get staff members ready for mergers and other changes in the company.

15. Teacher

National average yearly wage: $36,056

Primary responsibilities: A teacher’s job is to impart knowledge of a subject through instruction. They collaborate on best practices, develop lesson plans, evaluate student work, and impart knowledge in a particular subject area. They might work in an educational setting with kids or adults.

16. Account Manager

National average yearly salary: $67,177

Primary responsibilities: Account executives are employed by advertising companies where they act as the point of contact between customers and creative directors. They participate in client meetings, draft briefs outlining advertising initiatives, set campaign budgets and create advertising strategies. Customers receive adverts from them, and they provide input to the creative team. Account executives are also in charge of managing project schedules and resolving issues with finances, copy, and creative components.

17. The HR Director

National average yearly wage: $94,449

Primary responsibilities: The Human Resources Director is in charge of overseeing a company’s hiring procedures and employee relations. HR managers oversee employee training and are familiar with labor laws. They also oversee payroll and employee benefits.

18. Curator

National average hourly wage: $15.73

Primary responsibilities: Curators organize exhibitions and buy new things for museums that house works of art, historical artifacts, and other subjects. To enlighten museum visitors, they conduct research on historical and cultural subjects, create exhibition themes, and compose writings. They direct curatorial and technical employees as well as create tours and workshops for visitors. Additionally, curators are in charge of fostering relationships with possible art and object contributors and representing their organization at private and public events.

19. Grant writer

National average yearly wage: $43,032

Primary responsibilities: Grant writers conduct research and produce text for funding applications. They compile data on grant-related projects and create convincing summaries of the goals and effects of the projects. To improve their proposals, they might also look over earlier grant applications. The majority of grant writers focus on particular kinds of funding possibilities or handle money from particular organizations.

20. Archivist

National average yearly wage: $65,561

Primary responsibilities: Archivists work at historical societies and museums, where they conserve, store, and manage relics, documents, and other authentic objects. They are in charge of producing both paper-based and digital records for collection objects. Many archivists also handle databases. Archivists also supervise restoration, which typically includes washing historical artifacts and exhibits and may also involve making sure that relics are displayed safely. Many archivists focus on specific historical periods or categories of objects.

21. Editor

National average yearly wage: $56,433

Primary responsibilities: They are primarily responsible for soliciting and reviewing articles and manuscripts for publication, editors often work for periodicals, newspapers, book publishers, and websites. They solicit submissions from authors, accept them, fix grammar and punctuation issues, and edit the text to make it more readable. Additionally, editors collaborate with writers to create intriguing story concepts that correspond to the publication’s theme and are engaging for readers.

22. Copywriter

National average yearly wage: $61,091

Primary responsibilities: Copywriters are in charge of developing persuasive material for marketing goods and services. They might also create press releases, pieces for magazines, and scripts for news organizations and public relations.

23. Librarian

National average yearly wage: $60,006

Primary responsibilities: Librarians assist users in locating books and information for personal and professional usage at public and academic institutions. They select pertinent texts and resources for the library to collect and help users evaluate reference materials and conduct internet research on themes. In addition to maintaining and enhancing databases, librarians are in charge of keeping track of new books and press releases. Particularly if they work at university libraries, certain librarians also instruct classes on conducting productive research.

24. Urban planner

National average yearly salary: $69,015

Primary responsibilities: Urban planners build plans to develop both privately and publicly owned land as one of their main responsibilities. When making plans, they take into account things like growing populations, public transportation, roadways, and environmental concerns. These experts interact with the public to discuss land-use concepts, get feedback, and accept developer bids. Urban planners must be knowledgeable about zoning laws and construction codes to provide suitable ideas to local government representatives.

24. Graphic artist

National average yearly wage: $49,300

Primary responsibilities: Graphic designers produce pictures for digital and print media. To create artwork like logos, advertisements, entertainment material, and other visual stuff, they frequently employ software tools.

25. Youth counselor

National average hourly wage: $14.56

Primary responsibilities: Youth counselors serve in schools, penal facilities, and religious or charity groups, assisting young patients with mental and emotional concerns. They routinely meet with kids and teenagers to evaluate problems and offer guidance and recommendations. These specialists keep tabs on patients’ development and communicate any updates to parents and other caregivers. Numerous youth counselors focus their practice on helping clients with particular issues, like drug or alcohol misuse issues or criminal histories.

26. Human resources professional

National average yearly wage: $49.577

Primary responsibilities: Human resources professionals’ main responsibilities are to find, screen, and hire candidates. They write job descriptions, publicize job listings, and consult with executives about recruitment and growth needs. They pre-screen candidates, go over resumes, contact references, and conduct interviews. These human resources experts supervise new hire orientation and training as well as salary and benefit discussions with candidates. While some human resources professionals focus exclusively on recruiting, others offer support at every stage of the employment process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Liberal Arts degree offers students a broad and interdisciplinary education that cultivates critical thinking, communication skills, and a well-rounded understanding of the world. It provides a foundation for lifelong learning and equips individuals with the adaptability and versatility needed in today’s rapidly changing job market. A Liberal Arts degree fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages exploration of diverse fields of study, and nurtures a holistic understanding of the human experience. By combining analytical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective, graduates of a Liberal Arts degree are well-prepared to navigate complex challenges, contribute meaningfully to society, and pursue diverse career paths with confidence and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions about Liberal Arts Degrees

  • What is a Liberal Arts degree?

A Liberal Arts degree is an undergraduate program that encompasses a broad range of subjects, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. It provides students with a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and a holistic understanding of various disciplines.

  • What can I do with a Liberal Arts degree?

A Liberal Arts degree offers a versatile skill set that applies to various career paths. Graduates can pursue careers in fields such as education, business, communications, non-profit organizations, government, arts and culture, and more. The degree’s emphasis on critical thinking, research, and communication skills makes graduates adaptable and capable of working in diverse industries.

  • Is a Liberal Arts degree valuable in the job market?

Yes, a Liberal Arts degree is valuable in the job market. Employers increasingly recognize the importance of transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, which are emphasized in a Liberal Arts education. These skills are highly sought after in today’s fast-paced and complex work environment.

  • Can I specialize in a specific area within a Liberal Arts degree?

While a Liberal Arts degree offers a broad education, many programs allow students to specialize in a particular area of interest. Students can choose to focus on subjects like psychology, sociology, political science, literature, or fine arts, among others. Specializing in the Liberal Arts allows students to delve deeper into a specific field while still benefiting from the interdisciplinary nature of the degree.

  • Can I pursue advanced studies after completing a Liberal Arts degree?

Absolutely. A Liberal Arts degree provides an excellent foundation for further academic pursuits. Many graduates of Liberal Arts programs go on to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as law, business, education, social sciences, humanities, and more. The critical thinking skills, research abilities, and interdisciplinary knowledge gained during a Liberal Arts degree prepare students for advanced studies in a variety of disciplines.

By answering these frequently asked questions, we can better understand the value and opportunities that a Liberal Arts degree offers. It equips students with a well-rounded education, transferable skills, and a foundation for lifelong learning and career success.